By Charissa Luci-Atienza
The House Committee on Labor and Employment has endorsed for plenary approval a bill declaring the city of San Jose del Monte in Bulacan as Human Resource Capital.
The House panel, chaired by 1-PACMAN partylist Rep. Enrico Pineda approved the committee report on House Bill No. 2378, principally authored by San Jose del Monte City Rep. Florida Robes.
San Jose del Monte City Rep. Florida Robes (Congw. Ate Rida Robes official facebook page/MANILA BULLETIN)
The bill seeks to provide employment and income opportunities in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Robes, chairperson of the House Committee on People Participation, said.
She laments that the development of human capital locally has been neglected, which is evident in the influx of the country's skilled workers to foreign countries to work.
"If the proposal is approved, it will entice investments on human resource. Companies will consider establishing their businesses in the district. As a human resource capital, the City will become a haven to training institutes that will enhance the capabilities of the residents of the City, as well as from neighboring towns," Robes said.
She noted that the city has at least 40 relocation projects constructed by the national government through the National Housing Authority (NHA) , as well as more than 150 residential subdivisions.
HB 2378 declares San Jose del Monte City, which is a preferred government site for human relocation, a human resource capital.
The bill tasks the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) , and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in coordination with the city government of San Jose del Monte, to formulate policies and implement plans and programs for the enhancement of the city's human resources. These include the establishment of training centers, the delivery of skills and livelihood training programs, and the promotion of quality technical-vocational education.
"These plans and programs must be aimed at the development and utilization of the manpower resources from the city of San Jose del Monte, the promotion of their employment, and acceleration of their economic and social growth," the measure provides.